One of the most common dental problems is crown loss in a patient. Although its loss is not a serious problem, many people experience discomfort when this happens. In addition, it can cause pain, as exposed dental tissue is sensitive to temperature, pressure, and airflow. If your crown falls out, don't panic and make an appointment with your dentist as soon as possible. You can also take steps to relieve pain and discomfort before you see your dentist.
What should I do if a crown falls out?
When the crown falls out, immediately remove it from your mouth or find it (if it is in food, on the floor, in the sink, etc.). You don't want to swallow it, and while the prolapse usually goes away without problems, you won't be able to reattach it permanently on your own, and you'll need a new crown. Here are some more things you can do:
- Call your dentist and make an appointment to have a new crown fitted. Tell us by phone the reason for the appointment and they will try to accept you as soon as possible (within a week maximum).
- Buy temporary denture adhesive or cement from the pharmacy and try to put the crown in place. Remember that the temporary adhesive will not last long, so try not to chew hard or sticky food with this tooth.
- Before using temporary glue or cement, clean the surface of the tooth and the inside of the crown. Make sure they are dry (use sterile gauze). Do not use superglue or any household glue to attach the crown. These substances are toxic and can clog the root canal.
- If you feel pain, apply some clove oil to sensitive areas. You can buy it at the spice section of the supermarket or at the drugstore. Use a cotton swab to apply.
What will the dentist do?
During the appointment, the dentist considers many factors to determine the optimal course of treatment and recovery. There can be many reasons for a crown to fall out.
- If it is an old crown, then the cement may have become loose, or there may have been hidden damage, or it has fallen out under the pressure of your bite.
- If the crown has light chips, then minor repairs are usually possible.
- If the damage is significant, then you will need a new crown.
What if I need a new crown?
Your dentist will determine if you need a new crown and talk about the different options. Traditional crowns are made of either porcelain fused to metal or gold. Gold crowns are the strongest and most durable, but they may not meet your aesthetic needs. Porcelain is more aesthetic, but they tend to wear off over time. Pressed porcelain crowns such as Emax (lithium disilicate) are significantly stronger than standard porcelain crowns. Since they are made entirely of porcelain, they are also more aesthetic and realistic.
Don't put off your visit to the dentist
Regardless of the cause of the crown falling out, your main concern should be to get to the dentist as soon as possible. Delaying an appointment can cause a number of additional problems, such as bacterial infections, gum growth where a crown should be, tooth shifting, and damage to what's left of it.
